The Wiz Live on NBC

Pictured: (l-r) David Alan Grier as Lion, Shanice Williams as Dorothy, Elijah Kelley as Scarecrow, Common as The Bouncer.

 

NBC

Welcome to Speakeasy’s live blog for NBC’s “The Wiz Live.” Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

It’s a brand new day for “The Wiz” – and the stakes are high.

The original Broadway production was a hit, winning seven Tony Awards in 1975, including best musical. But on the big screen, the 1978 movie version was a flop.

In creating a 2015 version for television, director Kenny Leon and executive producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan wisely decided to stick close to the original for good reason: This show is headed back to Broadway in the 2016-2017 season, as a production of Cirque du Soleil Theatrical, which has also partnered on the TV broadcast.

With the intention already stated to transfer to Broadway from TV, if this “Wiz” loses the magic, it’s a problem — but one that can be fixed with the tinkering that always goes into Broadway shows.

As a TV broadcast, though, this event will be measured against NBC’s two previous endeavors, which had dramatically different results: “The Sound of Music” in 2013 drew 18 million viewers; “Peter Pan” in 2014 drew about 9 million.

“The first year was a total experiment. No one had done a live musical in 50 years, Zadan said at a press conference. “The second year, we found out something that we didn’t know. The Peter Pan story seemed to have overstayed its welcome. Something has changed in the culture. We didn’t know that at the time.”

With this production, a constellation of stars of music, stage and screen are on tap to help. Queen Latifah is The Wiz. Mary J. Blige is Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. David Alan Grier brings his limitless personality to the Cowardly Lion. Recording artist Ne-Yo plays the Tin Man. And traveling down the road for the journey of her life is teenage newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy.

If they ease on down the road successfully, more live theater on TV is sure to follow.

Heart 2 Feed Serves Over 6000 Women and Children in Ajegunle

14.01.2016

Sometimes, all it takes to put a smile on somebody’s face – is a plate of food.

Last year could not have ended on a better note for many people living in Ajegunle. Over 6000 women and children had a “smiling Christmas” through the Heart 2 FeedProject.

The Hearts “2” Feed project is a monthly community development project which was introduced by Otres Restaurants in January 2015 to feed children, orphans and homeless people in deserving communities.

The Ajegunle edition was carried out in partnership with volunteers of Dreams from the Slum Initiative, an NGO that also carries out development projects in the community.

The day was an exciting one – especially for the kids – who were treated to a special Christmas party at Ebenezer Primary School, Ajegunle.

After the party, the team went into the inner parts of the community to distribute food to the people. The women were given food items such as rice and plantain.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ayadi, who came with 5 children appreciated the initiative stating that they did not only have enough to eat for the day, but also for a week.

According to Orode Okpu, the initiator of project, “the idea is to improve the childrens’ health and nutrition by providing them with good food as we believe that by doing this we’re tackling a major problem in the world today which is HUNGER.” She further stated that it was a fantastic way of bringing stakeholders in the food business together for a great cause.

Photography by Onye Ubanatu – MyPassionMylife Media

The programme was proudly supported by over 20 restaurants and food vendors:
Petit Paris Cafe, SALT Lagos, Cupcake Couture, Pot-a- Soup catering, KidzCuizine’ Grills in and Out Restaurant, La Munch finger foods, Ginger Tapas and Grill restaurant,Cookie Jar Bakery, Honey’s cupcake, GreenGrill House, Chef Fregz, Smoothie Express, Beyond Tastee- Catering, Freesla Food Services, Zurielles pot, Phummyndeps catering, Sekkies Salads and sandwiches, Fluxbridge food services.

The programme was also sponsored and supported by Afrolems Food blog, Pink Pearl Foundation, Grubs Magazine, MyPassionMyLife Media, SME100Nigeria, Eth Global Media, Hangout Nigeria, Women supporting Women Nigeria, On point Sales Nigeria and Yaji Box Nigeria.
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AwoofWednesday: This Week Deals – Up to 30% Off

14.01.2016

Our New Year resolution is to deliver to you the best cuisine on the planet every single day and offer you mind blowing special offers every Wednesday! Call It#AwoofWednesday

So, don’t miss out on ground-breaking food deals and tap into the #AwoofWednesday special offers: courtesy of Nigeria’s No 1, Online Food Delivery Platform – HelloFood.

Click https://goo.gl/4SSzIN and have any food of your choice delivered to you with30% Off from Twilight Chinese restaurant and 20% Off from Insignia restaurants.

Terms & Condition Apply.

Meet the Mentors, Host & Contestants as RedTV present Interiors by Design – Nigeria’s 1st Interior Design Reality TV Show

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Meet the Mentors, Host & Contestants as RedTV present Interiors by Design – Nigeria’s 1st Interior Design Reality TV Show

This season RedTV bring you Nigeria’s first Interior Design reality competition – Interiors by Design which will air on RedTV.

Interiors by Design will pit 15 aspiring interior designers against each other in a quest to be the winner of the competition. In the first season the designers go head to head to see who truly is the most talented. Each week the winning and losing contestants will be selected by a highly esteemed panel of judges.

Who are the judges?

Titilope Fowora – Lead Judge and Mentor

 She is the glamorous Lead Interior Designer with Inu Design Ltd and the principal host and mentor onInteriors by Design. A veteran in the industry and one of the pioneers of the design practitioner renaissance currently emerging across Africa, she brings over a decade of experience, with commissions across the globe.

Extremely proud of both her cultural heritage and the potential of the youth in Nigeria, Inu Design is headquartered in Lagos where the business has been at the vanguard of the industry, providing creative solutions for an eclectic clientele. Keen to share her knowledge, Titi heads the committee of Continuous Professional Development Programmes at the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria of which she is also a member.

Titi is the holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The University of Kent at Canterbury as well as a full Interior Design Diploma from The Design School, London. She also sits on the board of AFPCM, a construction management company with over 35 years of design and project management experience. Prior to her career in interior design she worked in finance, specialising in English corporation tax. It is this winning combination of industry expertise and business acumen that makes her the consummate host for the show.

Osaru Alile – Judge & Mentor

She holds a BFA in Interior Design from Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC – while in school she worked as a design assistant with studioLUXE learning the ropes of the professional world and thereafter as an Interior designer with CetraRuddy Architects, also in NYC.

On leaving CetraRuddy, She co-founded Caxton Alile Design and CC Interiors Limited and has since successfully worked on numerous creative projects in the UK, USA and here, in Nigeria. CC Interiors has since been recognized as an award-winning firm whose main focus is in Interior Architecture and Design Consultation for Residential, Commercial and Hospitality spaces. Osaru acts as a GLOBAL SHAPER in the Lagos Hub of the World Economic Forum (WEF), she was selected in 2014 as a Vital Voices GROW Fellow and sits as the committee chair for education, Interior Design Association of Nigeria (IDAN).

She is very passionate about creativity, entrepreneurship, education and the empowering of Nigerian Youths “I believe it is important to support Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria because we face hurdles which are unique our nation and can potentially stunt organic business growth, We must be equipped with the knowledge & confidence to see bold ideas through!”

Each week there will be a different guest judge from the various fields of interior design.
 
Akinola Fafowora – The Host

 Akinola is fast becoming an emerging talent in the entertainment industry, he will be the host of the series, giving us insight to tensions between the contestants.
The Contestants

ABODERIN Olalekan, University of Lagos, Architecture

AKPOGHENE Ese, Covenant University, Architecture

BABALOLA Seun, Covenant University, Architecture

CHINWUBA Oluchi, Anambra State University, Accounting

CHUKWU Vivian, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Architecture

IJEOMA Matilda, Lagos State University, International Relations

MOHAMMED Ummi, University Of Lagos, Urban&Regional Planning

OLADEJI Folarin, Ogun State Polytechnic, Town&Regional Planning

OLANIPEKUN Tayo, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Architecture

Olanrewaju Shem Oseni, University Of Lagos,Architecture

OLAWORE Ifeoluwa, Covenant University, Estate Management

OSUNSANYA Olutayo, University Of Ilorin, Mechanical Engineering

TIJANI Ohunene Zainab, University of Abuja,Mathematics

Ukpe Mfon JAmes, Federal University Otueke, Political Science
Please join us as the contestants endure a series of design challenges meant to separate the wheat from the chaff and leave us with one incredibly talented winner!

Presidency responds to “Lost” 2016 Budget Mystery & Confusion

14.01.2016

Various news reports have confirmed that the 2016 budget is missing.

Premium Times says

“the hard and soft copies of the 2016 budget documents President Muhammadu Buhari handed over to the National Assembly on December 22, 2015, have been declared missing.

The Nigerian Senate was scheduled to commence deliberation on the proposed budget Tuesday (today).

But Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, shocked lawmakers at a closed-door session, when he told them the budget documents had been stolen”

Responding to enquiries about the missing budget, the Presidency has said;

Nobody except the President can withdraw the budget. As far as we know, he hasn’t done that.

The copies in their hundreds have been delivered to both chambers of the National Assembly.

By tradition, once the budget is submitted, it ceases to be our property.

Enquiries as to where it is should be directed to the appropriate quarters.

Best regards.

Basically the Presidency is passing responsibility for this situation to the Senate.

BellaNaijarians, what are your thoughts?

Saraki says Senate received two versions of 2016 budget from the presidency

Saraki says Senate received two versions of 2016 budget from the presidency

A new twist to the alleged missing 2016 budget has emerged as the Senate President Bukola Saraki this afternoon on his Facebook page, stated that the senate received two versions of the 2016 budget, one from President Buhari and another from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang and that they will only be using the one presented to the National Assembly by Buhari on December 22nd

Bayelsa gov, Seriake Dickson, receives Certificate of Return

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Photos: Bayelsa gov, Seriake Dickson, receives Certificate of Return

Incumbent governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson, who was declared winner of the Bayelsa state governorship election over the weekend, received his certificate of return from the state INEC officer today January 14th. Continue to see more photos from the ceremony after the cut...

Find Out the New Twist for Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign

14.01.2016

Ty Bello with Chris & Chris

Beyond sharing a bottle of coke with friends and loved ones this season, you can now share your feelings with them as well, as Coca-Cola introduces an exciting twist to its popular “Share a Coke” campaign.

And what’s the twist you ask?
In its second year, the new campaign version, which is tagged “Share a Feeling”, will include fun smileys that convey diverse emotions and messages on Coca-Cola andCoke Zero packs. The smileys will also include popular Nigerian phrases that connect with everyone across boundaries.

That’s not all, Coca-Cola is taking the excitement a step further by partnering with popular rapper/comedian Falz to help deliver the personalised Coke bottles with names and smileys to consumers doorsteps.

Already, some notable influencers such as DJ Jimmy Jatt, TY Bello, Cobhams, Chigul, Dammy Krane, Audu Maikori, Liz Awoliyi, Kelechi Amadi-Obi have received their own personalised Coke bottles.

Kelechi Amadi-Obi

Dammy Krane

Beverly Osu

Emma OhMaGod

Jokotade Shonowo of PoshClick

Darey

Deola Art-Alade

Laide Bakare

Ice Prince with Falz

Segsta

Falz

Audu Maikori with Falz

Somkele

Tekno

Chef Eros

Some of the personalities have also identified their top fans on social media and will be sharing a feeling with them as well.

Want to be a part of it?
Get more information on the “Share a Feeling” campaign, on this website:www.shareacoke.com.ng

Pageant organizers react to allegations that they asked their queen to sleep with men for money

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Pageant organizers react to allegations that they asked their queen to sleep with men for money

Organizers of the Queen of Trust International beauty pageant have reacted to allegations leveled against them by their now resigned queen, Cynthia Ugbah, who took to her Instagram page yesterday to announce her resignation as Queen of Trust International 2015, and alleged that the organizers wanted her to sleep with rich men for money. The organizers have refuted the allegation using their Instagram page. Find their reaction after the cut...

 

"As an organization with great reputation that has stood test of time, we wish to respond to the Claims miss cynthia Ugbai alleged.

Miss Cynthia sworn to frustrate our organization consequent to her dethronement as the queen thus she was found wanting in character and otherwise. 
Cynthia's claim to car is inconclusive because it is stated in our contract signed by her after her emergence, under (2.7) and (2.8). it reads (2.7) I am fully aware that the star prize (a brand new Kia Rio 2015) will be under the management of Queen of Trust Organisation till after my one year reign) (2.8) I am fully aware the star prize will become mine after my one year successful reign and i have the right to remove the official brand name from the car. 
Furthermore,Cynthia had a driver before her suspension, the driver was employed to assist in conveying her to her official functions.
This is not the first time we have given out a car, we done it in the time past and the winners went home with the car after their reign.

Reacting to her prostitution claim, the organization frowns at such act as it is also stipulated in her contract in section (3.6) As a beauty Queen am a mirror the society therefore i shall in no manner be involved in nudity scandals of prostitution.

We wish to categorically states that Cynthia's emergence was based on meritocracy as she never paid our organisation or slept with anyone to win her crown, an Organization that Signed a contract that is totally against these things she is claiming, We have produced reputable Queens Samantha UBANI, Princess Preye Inokoba, Rebecca Hampson, onyeka Agu. Lizzy Nkem and more of them, go to their social Media page and compare with that of miss Cynthia. Miss Cynthia after her emergence till date failed to affect lives with pet projecst, several breach of contracts, questionable posts on instagram and social media, etc

The Nigerian Queen wishes to educate the public that all claims from Miss Cynthia is false allegation ranging from the grievances that she was dethroned, we wish to educate the general public that the Nigerian Queen on her 7th edition has stood tall and have never been found wanting as our antecedent

 

The Wedding Daddy Always Wanted ♥ Kashi & Rotimi’s Outdoor Vow Renewal at Oriental Hotel

14.01.2016

Kashi and Rotimi did a vow renewal in Nigeria after four years of marriage, to honor her dad who was too sick to travel during her court wedding in 2011. Her father is now resting with the Lord, a few months after being a part of the celebration – which also fell on her birthday.

For the UK-based couple’s vow renewal, they opted for a unique outdoor venue – a terrace at Oriental Hotel in May 2015.

We ask the bride, also a planner, about planning her traditional and white wedding from abroad, advice for couples planning their wedding and more.

Be inspired!

***

~ Photography: Photonimi

BellaNaija Weddings: How many years have you been married?
Kashi & Rotimi: Four years.

BNW: How was your first wedding?
Kashi & Rotimi: We had one in 2011. It was a court wedding at the Lewisham registry in London with a few witnesses.

BNW: Why did you decide to do a vow renewal?Kashi: Because my father was unable to travel to England for our court wedding in 2011. He was diagnosed terminally ill, of kidney failure and since he was over 70 years old, a transplant was not an option. He would be on dialysis. While he became ill it was his wish for us to return home for a traditional wedding. So myself and my husband wanted to belatedly fulfill his wish and also get a chance to have the elaborate celebration in front of all our family and loved ones, my wedding planner self also wanted to renew our vows to reaffirm them again, but this time with our entire and loved ones present.

BNW: How was the planning process like? As a planner did it make things easier?
Kashi: I have heard nightmares about wedding planners not being able to plan their own weddings but it went suprisingly smoothly for me. I had a cute guest list so running the list it was done in a week and the utmost passion for wedding planning and even though I was planning from the UK I had procured the services of a very efficient event manager in Nigeria who liaised with vendors on my behalf and did the site viewing. Also, thanks to modern technology I sometimes felt like I was actually there in person especially when she Skyped me from the venue we settled on, which was Oriental Hotel.Social media made it easy to follow trend and styles from BellaNaija Weddings and updates from vendors and What’s App made it easy to chat to them and exchange pictures and ideas. The entire process with all vendors I chose was as smooth as the icing on my cake.

BNW: Advice for other brides planning their weddings?Kashi: Use a Planner
I would advise brides planning their wedding to use a wedding planner and an event /wedding coordinator to make their day as calm and pleasurable as possible. Also, be sure to incorporate their interests into their day as it is indeed their special day and not anyone else’s. While the guests are important and should be catered for accordingly remember you cannot please everyone, so draw a budget with your planner and stick to it, estimate for excesses but don’t over do it because their is life after the wedding and the marriage is more important than the day. Make the day as personal to you and hubby as possible and you will be more than happy to remember it come anniversary day.

Make Your Wedding Suit Your Personality
For example, I love nature and simplicity so my pre-wedding shoot was shot at a beach.It was all about nature and us in our natural look so no make up or formal studio shoot. And my wedding renewal was taken overlooking the seas right under the skies. Meanwhile the ambience of where we would renew the vows mattered to both of us so we had a healthy budget for the venue we felt could provide the atmosphere we wanted. This include shelling out for a decent live music set-up as both I and my husband love a good boogie.

Spend More on What You Care About
While some brides have a higher budget for decor, makeup or even alcohol and some for honeymoon but whatever you choose to make your higher priority please do ensure it is something you will look back and and remember it as intensely personal to you. And please do get a professional photographer to capture those amazing moments, choose your favourite colours you would like to see guests come as your layout. I love earthy colours such as gold burnt orange and rose gold but I like peach a lot so I had my layout outside in gold and peach and inside in rose gold sequin which looked great for the after party, be creative and fun or get a planner that is.I had my 8 table names 8 love languages and I wanted to include Nigerian languages as well, while it was easy to get it in Yoruba and Igbo as the two most documented languages Google wasn’t friendly with other dialects so I had to get the translation of love in Tiv, itsekiri, Irohobo and calabar from friends who were from that tribe. Thank you Eno Essien.

Make a Guest List … if You Can
Also I have noticed Nigerians rarely have a guest list and mostly have close to a thousand guests. If you come from a large extended or royal family that’s ok and inevitable but if not draw up a guest list, invite your family and just a few work colleagues and close friends you would love to witness your memorable day that can also help slim down your budget or keep it the same but create a better quality experience for a fewer guests. The last thing you want is a massive turn out of unknown faces on your big day, weddings are special events done once I cannot stress enough how personal it should be.Use the Beauty Around You in Nigeria
Generally, I think Nigeria’s beauty is under-appreciated. And I am glad that I was able to take photos that higlight just how wonderful it really is. The scenery in Lagos Island is breathtaking and I felt blessed to be able to return on such a special occassion. I’ll tell you a secret, my husband and I have already talked about returning to Nigeria to renew our vows when we make it to our silver wedding anniversary God willing and already eyeing Calabar town in Nigeria …. 

The beauty of it was not just in getting married again but to the same man in my home country in the presence of our family and loved ones on a memorable day as my birthday.

The couple also wanted to share their Wedding Video by The Wedding TV

We wish Kashi and Rotimi the very best of married life, now and forever.

***

Photographer: Photonimi | @photonimi | www.photonimi.com

Video: The Wedding TV | @theweddingtv

Bridal Attire
Bride’s Makeup: iPosh Looks | @iposhlooks
Hair & Nails: Elaine Shobanjo of Shomya Lekki, Lagos | www.shomya.com |@shomya_lag
Wedding dress: David’s Bridal UK for #MaisonYeya
Aso Oke: Molbaks Alasooke | @molbaks_alasooke | 08023188820
Peach Evening Dress: Kathy Anthony, Abuja | @kathyanthony

Accessories
Bridal Hair clip and Earrings: Zena Accessories | @zenaccessories 
Wristwatch: Cartier
Shoes: Benjamin Adams London, Dune London, Monsoon
Clutches: Jimmy Choo London, Dune London
Wristwatch: Cartier
Earrings: Zena Accessories
Groom and Bestman Shirts and Suits: Saville Row Bespoke
Groom’s Accessories: Emporio Armani, Louis Vuitton
Bride and bridal train Bouquets Floristry: BTG Florists | +234 810 028 5323

Vendors
Wedding Planner: Kashi Isaac-Salawu of Eden Event Planning Ltd | @edenevent
Wedding Cordination & Venue Styling: Posh Event Solutions |@poshevents_solutions
Wedding Cake: Lanre Butter Cream | @lanrebuttercream
Traditional Wedding Cake: KK Crafts | www.facebook.com/kkcrafts/ | +234 805 280 4457‬
MC/Comedian: Ajibade Oyemade | @ajibade
Gospel Live Band: Bims World of Music | @bimsmusic
DJ: DJ Poppeay | @djpoppaey